Page 75 of You Cake My Breath Away

“You nervous?” she asks.

I shrug. “A little.”

“Don’t be.” She reaches for me as if to pull me in for a hug but drops her hands before she connects. Feeling like this is one of those moments I spoke with my therapist about where people give me the opportunity to find comfort in them and Idon’tpush it away because of fear, I grab her and pull her into a hug. She murmurs into my hair, “You deserve it, and so does he.”

I squeeze her tight, relishing in the comfort of her arms.

“I’m glad y’all got out of your own way,” she whispers and backs away before adding, “It’s been a long time coming.”

I roll my eyes and head back out to the kitchen.

“I’m just being honest,” she yells, opening the front door. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Finally alone, Archer nuzzles into my neck and cups my butt. “I’m hungry for dessert.”

“Later.” I playfully push him away and take the desserts to the car. “We’re gonna be late.”

The imposing door of Dad’s house makes my heart thump like a tribal drum. Archer’s hand is on my back, and right now, it’s the only thing keeping me standing.

“We probably should’ve talked about how to introduce me on the way over here,” he whispers as we wait for someone to answer.

“Well,someonewouldn’t keep their hands to themselves and kept risking my precious cake to get under my dress.”

He laughs. “Touché.”

The door opens and I’m hit with the aroma of turkey and celery and carrots. Immediately, I realize Dad is making my mom’s famous stuffing. My chest aches with the memory of sneaking into the restaurant on Thanksgiving to use the kitchen so all of the desserts would be ready at the same time asthe meal.

“Hey sweet pea.” Dad ushers us into the foyer. He gestures to the box in my hand. “Is that your new dessert?

“Yup.” I hand the box to Archer so I can slip off my jacket. “Rhubarb and elderberry sponge cake.”

Gloria walks out of the kitchen in a beautiful orange dress, a tray of sweet potatoes in her hand. My mouth salivates at the melted butter on top, and I’m smacked with the memory of the last meal I made for Jessie: harvest chicken with sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts. I used to hate any form of yams, but I’ve basically lived off sweet potatoes for the last year, wishing that it could bring me back to the night before my life changed, and now I can’t stop eating them.

“Hi,” she says, pulling me from my spiral. Her dark hair is pinned back, a welcoming smile on her face. She stops beside Dad, eyeing the cake box in his hands.

“This is Tilly’s boyfriend, Archer,” Dad says.

Archer coughs like there’s something stuck in his throat, and I’m so shocked by my dad’s assumption, correct as it may be, that I’m frozen with my mouth open.

Gloria shifts the plate and extends her hand. “Nice to meet you, Archer.” She turns to me. “It’s great to see you again, Tilly.”

My smile can only be described as painful. Archer elbows me as we follow them into the dining area. I never imagined my dad picking up on whatever’s going on between Archer and me, but I guess love recognizes love.

I nearly choke on my own thoughts. I don’t love Archer. Or at least I’m not willing to admit it out loud yet. When you tell someone you love them, it gives them the power to take that love away, and since love seems to always flee from me, I’m hesitant to utter the words I know my heart feels. No matter how stupid it sounds, I know the minute I finally tellArcher I’m in love with him, it’ll give the universe an opportunity to take him away…like it did Jessie.

“How’s the bakery coming along?” Dad asks as we get seated.

I’m still struggling to find my words, so Archer answers for me. “It’s almost done. We’re waiting on another walk-in cooler, the front door, the register, and the specialty boxes she ordered.”

Finally finding my voice after a long drink of water, I say, “I need to get in there and organize some before we get the menu boards up and start posting signs.”

Dad nods, taking a bite of the food. “I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

“Your mom would be too,” he says, giving me a half smile.

My heart twists in my chest, and I look up at the ceiling, trying to keep the tears at bay. Archer squeezes my leg beneath the table, and as I look at him a calm presence overwhelms me.

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